WTO Circulates Notification from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda on Standard for Avocado Oil for Cosmetic Use

"On April 7, 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a notification submitted by Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda regarding the Draft East African Standard DEAS 837:2024, titled ""Avocado Oil for Cosmetic Use — Specification"" This draft standard outlines the requirements, sampling, and test methods for avocado oil intended for cosmetic applications. The final date for submitting comments is 60 days from the date of notification ( i.e. June 6, 2025). The draft standard covers the following key sections: 1. Scope 2. Terms and Definitions 3. Requirements (a) General Requirements: -Avocado oil shall be practically odourless or have a mild characteristic odour. -The oil must be a clear yellow to greenish liquid, free from sediments, suspended matter, foreign matter, and separated water. -All ingredients must comply with EAS 377 (all parts). (b) Specific Requirements -Specific gravity at 20°C: 0.815–0.910 (Test method: EAS 847-7) -Moisture content (% m/m, max): 0.5% (Test method: ISO 8534) -Insoluble impurities (% m/m, max): 0.2% (Test method: ISO 663) (4) Microbiological Requirements: -Total viable aerobic mesophilic microorganisms: Max. 1,000 CFU/g or CFU/ml (Test method: ISO 21149) -Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Not detected in 1 g or 1 ml (Test method: ISO 22717) (5) Heavy Metal Contaminants: -Combined total of lead, mercury, and arsenic must not exceed 10 mg/kg in the finished product. (6) Packaging (7) Labelling (8) Sampling"